Correctional Counselor Trainee (2nd Shift)

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for receiving intensive training in the provision of counseling services to offenders and their families.

• Receives training in agency counseling procedures, personnel policies, program guidelines and legal reporting requirements;
• Receives training in and is given progressively complex assignments involving utilization of interviewing techniques required to assess client needs, elicit information and establish community referral sources;
• Provides basic counseling services to a limited number of offenders enrolled in departmental programs or their family members receiving services;
• Prepares initial treatment plans, psycho-social evaluation, case histories and other case records as components of a small assigned caseload;
• Refers offenders and family members for community or social services, medical or psychological services or housing, financial and employment assistance;
• Motivates offenders to increase their ability to understand and cope with problems, frustration and anxiety;
• Performs a greater number of specific and complex counselor duties and maintains a larger caseload as skills are acquired during training program; and
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of
  • individual and group behavior;
  • reciprocal relationship between individuals and their social, economic and cultural environment;
  • counseling and interviewing techniques;
  • cultural competencies and ethical standards;
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • interpret policies and procedures;
  • relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • organize time, set priorities and manage workload;
  • utilize computer software.

• Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

• Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
• A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to a considerable degree of danger of injury or assault by offenders.